The Mongolia trip went great. Thanks so much for your prayers! They've been felt.
I'll let Barry share his thoughts about the Mongolia trip when he has time. He has a trip for China lined up for the week May 4th.
There are so many things to tell (good things!), I don't even know where to start. It's been so busy and the computers have been down so I haven't had a chance to update here, but I'm going to try to give it a shot here and now.
I guess I'll start with today. At school I got to teach a song a friend and I wrote last year to two of my 7 year old classes. We sing English songs everyday in our English classes, but the response to the worship song was very unique. One student said, "when I sing and raise my hands (there are motions to the song) my heart feels so bright." Another student said, "I can feel Jesus in my heart when we sing that song," and another student said, "my heart feels clean/pure when I sing that song." It was fun. That's my favorite thing in the world -- to see people encounter and experience God in an intimate and personal way.
In terms of Sam and Will, they're doing well. Homeschool and Tae Kwon Do are going great. Right now, their favorite thing to do is roller blade. The weather is finally warming up so it's been great for being outdoors. Also, I've been taking them to Ansley's kids service in Suwon every Sunday so they can have church with some native English speakers. I now feel like I can identify (somewhat) with those folks in Africa who walk miles and miles to get to a church service. It takes the kids and I at least 2 hours including walking, subway rides, multiple bus transfers and 1 taxi to get to the church in Suwon. It ends up being a 6+ hour trip when it's all said and done. There is no direct route from Suwon to Jongno. But, the kids are worth it. We get back to Jongno in time for the kids service at Youn Dong that Barry helps with weekly. It's back to back practices and services at that point on for me. Sundays are so busy!
Speaking of busy, I've never been so busy in my life. God is really stretching me and teaching me to just trust him for everything including rest, energy, inspiration, motivation, ect. I think it's against human nature to do that and it wasn't until I had no choice that I began to learn it.
I was reading Psalm 18 yesterday and thinking of how David, who was a warrior, related to God in terms that made sense for him. David knew the importance of a "stronghold" and "refuge." It was the only safe place in times of war. God was that for him. In the same way, God is my "teacher" and my "song" leading me and taking care of me in every way and in all that he has given me to do here.
We were created to need Him for everything and contrary to popular belief, it's not a sign of weakness to need God. It's not foolish to depend on resources that surpass your own, when the Source is Someone who never fails, never abandons, cannot lie, has all power, all knowledge, and loves unconditionally. He doesn't begrudge our neediness! I believe He delights in it and loves our dependence upon Him. He calls us His children! His ways don't often make sense and often aren't easy, but they are always good. With the wisdom of a father He leads His children in ways that are uniquely suited to bring out the best in and for each child.
I realize that in the States I had more liberty to manage my schedule according to what I thought I needed or wanted and what I thought I was comfortable with and capable of. (Basically, I did what I felt like doing.) Here, I have to let Him make the schedule and even when it's tough or messy I have to fall back on His sovereignty and wisdom knowing that He cares more about my life than I do! He's made a way EVERY time. Really. I'm so thankful for that. God is who He says He is.
In terms of school, I love my co-teachers and students! It's been wonderful to get to know them all better. Also, I've enjoyed getting to know my neighbor better and share a little about the One who can take care of our worries. I've also enjoyed getting past the difficult beginning of forging relationships with the English worship team. There are about 20 of them. They are such a great group. Despite the language difference, God is helping us to connect and really enjoy working together as a team.
I got the 070 phone up and running thanks to Eunyoung, Chanhye and Iron Tiger. The only issue is the huge time difference between the States and Korea. It's exactly 13 hours. Love and miss you!
I'll let Barry share his thoughts about the Mongolia trip when he has time. He has a trip for China lined up for the week May 4th.
There are so many things to tell (good things!), I don't even know where to start. It's been so busy and the computers have been down so I haven't had a chance to update here, but I'm going to try to give it a shot here and now.
I guess I'll start with today. At school I got to teach a song a friend and I wrote last year to two of my 7 year old classes. We sing English songs everyday in our English classes, but the response to the worship song was very unique. One student said, "when I sing and raise my hands (there are motions to the song) my heart feels so bright." Another student said, "I can feel Jesus in my heart when we sing that song," and another student said, "my heart feels clean/pure when I sing that song." It was fun. That's my favorite thing in the world -- to see people encounter and experience God in an intimate and personal way.
In terms of Sam and Will, they're doing well. Homeschool and Tae Kwon Do are going great. Right now, their favorite thing to do is roller blade. The weather is finally warming up so it's been great for being outdoors. Also, I've been taking them to Ansley's kids service in Suwon every Sunday so they can have church with some native English speakers. I now feel like I can identify (somewhat) with those folks in Africa who walk miles and miles to get to a church service. It takes the kids and I at least 2 hours including walking, subway rides, multiple bus transfers and 1 taxi to get to the church in Suwon. It ends up being a 6+ hour trip when it's all said and done. There is no direct route from Suwon to Jongno. But, the kids are worth it. We get back to Jongno in time for the kids service at Youn Dong that Barry helps with weekly. It's back to back practices and services at that point on for me. Sundays are so busy!
Speaking of busy, I've never been so busy in my life. God is really stretching me and teaching me to just trust him for everything including rest, energy, inspiration, motivation, ect. I think it's against human nature to do that and it wasn't until I had no choice that I began to learn it.
I was reading Psalm 18 yesterday and thinking of how David, who was a warrior, related to God in terms that made sense for him. David knew the importance of a "stronghold" and "refuge." It was the only safe place in times of war. God was that for him. In the same way, God is my "teacher" and my "song" leading me and taking care of me in every way and in all that he has given me to do here.
We were created to need Him for everything and contrary to popular belief, it's not a sign of weakness to need God. It's not foolish to depend on resources that surpass your own, when the Source is Someone who never fails, never abandons, cannot lie, has all power, all knowledge, and loves unconditionally. He doesn't begrudge our neediness! I believe He delights in it and loves our dependence upon Him. He calls us His children! His ways don't often make sense and often aren't easy, but they are always good. With the wisdom of a father He leads His children in ways that are uniquely suited to bring out the best in and for each child.
I realize that in the States I had more liberty to manage my schedule according to what I thought I needed or wanted and what I thought I was comfortable with and capable of. (Basically, I did what I felt like doing.) Here, I have to let Him make the schedule and even when it's tough or messy I have to fall back on His sovereignty and wisdom knowing that He cares more about my life than I do! He's made a way EVERY time. Really. I'm so thankful for that. God is who He says He is.
In terms of school, I love my co-teachers and students! It's been wonderful to get to know them all better. Also, I've enjoyed getting to know my neighbor better and share a little about the One who can take care of our worries. I've also enjoyed getting past the difficult beginning of forging relationships with the English worship team. There are about 20 of them. They are such a great group. Despite the language difference, God is helping us to connect and really enjoy working together as a team.
I got the 070 phone up and running thanks to Eunyoung, Chanhye and Iron Tiger. The only issue is the huge time difference between the States and Korea. It's exactly 13 hours. Love and miss you!
